The Wind and the Void: Nightblade, Book 3

In the midst of the chaos, the actions and choices of a select few will shape the future of the land. Akira prepares to give up his Lordship. Ryuu wanders the Southern Kingdom, searching for a reason to fight. Moriko sits quietly, biding her time before she leaves the Three Kingdoms for good. Finally, across the Three Sisters, Nameless fight to keep his fragile alliance of clans together.

Nightblade

A quiet child, Moriko is forced into a monastic system she despises. Torn from her family and the forest she grew up in, she must fight to learn the skills she'll need to survive her tutelage under the realm's most dangerous assassin. Young, beautiful, and broke, Takako is sold to pay for her father's debts. Thrust into a world she doesn't understand and battles she didn't ask for, she must decide where her loyalties lie. When their lives crash together in a kingdom on the brink of war, the decisions they make will change both their lives and their kingdom forever.

Reign of Madness: King's Dark Tidings, Book 2

Equipped with skills far beyond those of the outworlders, Rezkin has been suddenly thrust into a foreign world. The young warrior clings to his only known purpose as he continues his search for any information about his identity and the reason for his existence. While the hardened warrior scorns both dueling and tournaments, he believes some of the answers he seeks may be found at the King's Tournament, the greatest dueling championship in all of the kingdoms.

Free the Darkness: King's Dark Tidings, Book 1

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1

In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....

A Warrior's Penance

Following Stronghold's destruction, Rukh and Jessira lead the ragged remnants of the OutCastes on the long march to Ashoka. There they seek sanctuary for her people, but in order to do so they must overcome unyielding law that demands exile for all ghrinas. Meanwhile, Hal'El Wrestiva - exposed and reviled as the Withering Knife murderer - escapes from Ashoka and hatches one final scheme to resuscitate his soiled reputation.

Kin of Kings (The Kin of Kings: Book 1)

The first great war of Ovira is over, and the most hated king in centuries is dead, but his nephew still lives. However, Basen had nothing to do with the destructive war his uncle started. In fact it was his uncle who exiled him and his father to the territory of their enemies, where Basen's dreams of becoming a legendary mage now fade, as he must work all day just to eat. His only chance at regaining some semblance of the life he thought he would lead is to join an elite school that trains, houses, and feeds a thousand new young men and women each year.

A Warrior's Path: The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1

Sweeping from the majestic city of Ashoka to the perilous Wildness beyond her borders, enter a world where Caste determines mystical Talents, the purity of Jivatma expresses worth, and dharma may be based on a lie.Rukh Shektan has always understood duty. As a member of Caste Kumma, the warrior Caste, nothing else is acceptable. He is expected to take part in the deadly Trials, to journey the Wildness and protect the caravans linking Humanity's far-flung cities. Though the mission is dangerous, Rukh's hope and optimism are undaunted. Karma, however, is a fickle fiend.

Forging Divinity: The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 1

Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.

Dawn of Wonder: The Wakening, Book 1

When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself. But this is only the beginning of his discoveries.

Paths of Alir: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 3

Powerful beings from the fringes of Chaos have come to the realm of Alorin. Fate bends to their will, and their will is set upon Alorin's destruction. Alone in understanding the threat they pose, Alorin's Fifth Vestal, Björn val Gelderan, has launched a desperate plan to stop them: a "great game" played upon the tapestry of mortal life. Now, in Paths of Alir, Björn's Players have taken the field.

The Dagger of Adendigaeth: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 2

At long last, the reason for the blessed Adept race's decline has been discovered: powerful beings known as Malorin'athgul are disrupting the Balance and preventing Alorin's Adepts from awakening to their gifts. Who are they? Where are they? And how can they be stopped when they wield a power meant to unmake the universe itself? In T'khendar, Prince Ean val Lorian has forsaken his companions in blood and battle to join the traitorous Fifth Vestal in T'khendar in the hopes of gaining some insight into the tragedies that plagued his return.

The King's Traitor: The Kingfountain Series, Book 3

Against all odds, Owen Kiskaddon grew from frightened boy to confident youth to trusted officer in the court of Kingfountain - and watched its regent, Severn Argentine, grow ever more ruthless and power-mad. Robbed of his beloved protector, his noble mentor, and his true love, Owen has anticipated the day when the king he fears and reviles, yet loyally serves, will be toppled. Now, as Severn plots a campaign of conquest, the time has come to take action...and Owen's destiny demands that he lead the strike.

A Shattered Empire

In a battle of armies and sorcerers, empires will fall. After young Caldan's parents were slain, a group of monks raised the boy and initiated him into the arcane mysteries of sorcery. But when the Mahruse Empire was attacked and the lives of his friends hung in the balance, he was forced to make a dangerous choice. Now, as two mighty empires face off in a deadly game of supremacy, potent sorcery and creatures from legend have been unleashed. To turn the tide of war and prevent annihilation, Caldan must learn to harness his fearsome and forbidden magic.

The Blood Mirror

When does an empire fall? The Seven Satrapies have collapsed into four - and those are falling before the White King's armies. Gavin Guile, ex-emperor, ex-Prism, ex-galley slave, formerly the one man who might have averted war, is now lost, broken, and trapped in a prison crafted by his own hands to hold a great magical genius. But Gavin has no magic at all. Worse, in this prison Gavin may not be alone.

Shadows of Kings: The Kin of Kings, Book 3

For many young mages like Basen, the Academy is more than just a place to learn the art of manipulating energy. It has become the only sanctuary in this unbalanced war, a symbol of resistance. But the Academy can't stand up to Tauwin's army much longer. As Basen and a group of allies take on the task of recruiting troops from other territories, he soon comes to find that no one is stupid enough to fight...no one except a fearsome horde of creatures more powerful and violent than they are smart.

Warrior: The War Chronicles, Book 1

Demon spawn, they call him. Evil seed of the UnNamed One. Lirak wonders if they might be right. Sent on a holy quest to test his prophetic dreams, he returns to find his people scattered or slaughtered. Ruthless invaders and their dread warlocks spread death and destruction across the land. Before he can lead the remnants of his people in vengeance, Lirak must win their trust. But blades and arrows alone will not defeat this enemy.

Mercenary: Blade Asunder Book 1

Bereaved and exiled from his homeland, Ganry ekes out a living as a wandering mercenary. A contract to protect a 15-year-old princess sees him embark on a quest across the kingdom. Confronted with danger at every turn, they get help from some unlikely companions. And Ganry discovers that there is more at stake than his own survival.

The Queen's Poisoner: The Kingfountain Series, Book 1

King Severn Argentine's fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles...and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king's hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.

A Crucible of Souls: The Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, Book 1

When Caldan’s parents are brutally slain, he is raised by monks and taught the arcane mysteries of sorcery. Vowing to discover for himself who his parents really were, and what led to their violent end, he is thrust into the unfamiliar chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to earn an apprenticeship with a guild of sorcerers. But he soon learns the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths. As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that brings the world to the edge of destruction.

Dragonvein: Book Four

The Eternal Emperor Shinzan continues to gather his strength. And the power he will unleash is beyond the imaginings of the spirits themselves. No army can stand against him. There is only one who can give Lumnia the freedom she has craved for so long. Only one who can save the world from being consumed by the Emperor's evil. But will it be Ethan who faces him? Or will it be Martok?

Silver Road: The Shifting Tides, Book 2

Chloe's quest to escape the Oracle's prophecy leads her to a magus with a secret: the eldren are not the only race to use magic in warfare. An ancient power is rediscovered, and a forgotten people will return. Meanwhile, cursed by his birth, Dion tries to forge a new life at sea, away from both the eldren and his former life in Xanthos, but the one thing he can't leave behind is his heritage.

The Troll King: The Bowl of Souls, Volume 9

He was born a king. Half troll and half man, he crawled from the womb of a god and found himself leader of a deformed but powerful race. As he struggles to lead his people Mellinda slithers into their midst. She wields the Rings of Stardeon and she has her own plans for his people. A prophet has been taken. A demon army joins the enemies of the grove. Will Justan's might and Tarah Woodblade's powers be enough to help Jhonate's people protect the Jharro Grove? It may all depend on the choices made by the Troll King.

The Ogre Apprentice: The Bowl of Souls, Book 8

Justan's time in Malaroo isn't going well. A deadly shape-shifting assassin seeks his life, and he is struggling to win over Jhonate's father. Fist is the only ogre ever to train at the Mage School. He is determined to make the most of this opportunity, but his plans are derailed and his burgeoning powers tested when he receives a visit from the tribe he had long thought dead.

Publisher's Summary

Two cycles have passed since Ryuu lost his adopted father, and he dares to hope that he's found peace at last. But nightblades live by the sword, and when a new breed of warrior threatens the Southern Kingdom, Ryuu and Moriko are pulled to opposite edges of the known world to uncover mysteries that have lain dormant for hundreds of cycles.

As the three kingdoms descend into chaos, the two nightblades must decide what they stand for. There's no place to hide, and the secrets they reveal will have the power to change the world forever.

With the brutal torturing of Book 1 not present, Book 2 was better for it. While both Ryuu and Moriko had formed a loving strong bond, it wasn't long before the pending war sent them on different paths to accomplish some critical tasks. The thrust of this book was really focused on Moriko's plight of survival from hypersensory hunters and their more powerful leader, along with her Nightblade capabilities improving along the way. Ryuu, too, improved his capabilities but under less harrowing conditions.

Unfortunately, the story suffered from very predictable battle situations. The opponent(s) were always stronger and/or more numerous than before but somehow, just before the protagonists were to meet their doom, some unknown inner strength propelled them forward to win and live to fight another day. It was like listening to a Naruto anime and I kept imagining hearing "BELIEVE IT!".

Also, the whole method for them leveling up seemed rather thin, some just magically happening by a snap in their consciousness.

Still, the writing and narration was still good enough to maintain my interest.

The book overall was good but for me not excellent. It has its charms and yet just lacked some of the appeal others in this genre have. Not sure if I will finish the series yet or not. Seems a bit predictable.

Good but the main character was too noble... Yes I know some people are good... but when people are so noble they challenge god for omnipotent nobility and patience... it just gets annoying and frustrating.

the author needs to add punctuation and/or, the reader needs to infer it. overall concept is fine, but poor dialogue, motivations and timing make it painful.finished it because I didn't have enough data to download a new book till I got on wifi.ouch.

Interesting character developments and introduction of new characters to keep the flow as well as plot progression. Overall great book and much more enticing and informative than the first book. Can't wait for the conclusion in the 3rd book. Will be starting that soon. But I love how there is a subtle comparison of how Moriko and Ryuu develop their abilities in different ways by the encounters and battles they are forced to have on their travels.

This one was about as good as the sequel. I found myself interested enough to continue listening but felt that the repetition of the same things about sword battles again and again left me dry.

I have seen it in other books like David Dalgleish ones where the combatants just keep getting faster and more impossibly skillful and it becomes hard to swallow after a while. This didn't have the depth of the Dalgleish books to compensate for the lack of ingenuity in the descriptions of battle

I don't think I would recommend this series unfortunately. Not bad enough to ask for my credit back but I wouldn't choose it again

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

James

5/28/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"I thought I'd give the second book a go..."

Although the concept is good, it is a terribly written book with over repartition of words, huge inconsistencies and characters that need much more development and less whining.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

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